Annike Krahn

Annike Krahn

Which player has most inspired you and why? Nobody stands out particularly, but it was a pleasure to play alongside Birgit Prinz, Steffi Jones, Silke Rottenberg and Nadine Angerer, as well to play against players like Hanna Ljungberg, Victoria Svensson, Abby Wambach and Marta. They are all great players and great characters as well.

Which coach has most inspired you? There are several. In the German national team, Silvia Neid, who always trusts me. But also the coaches I had when I was younger (Helmut Horsch and Martina Voss).

What is the best advice they've given you? Be yourself, show respect to others, do not forget where you come from, have goals and work hard to reach them.

Best player you've played with? I have known many players on and off the pitch. For example, Kerstin Stegemann (nearly 200 caps) has always played alongside me, or Sandra Minnert (13 years older than me). During the 2007 World Cup, Sandra got injured and I replaced her. After three days she was back training but she did not play. She always thought about the team and worked to help the young 22-year-old Annike Krahn. After our win she was the first to congratulate me. It shows how great a character she is; it impressed me.

Toughest opponent? That's difficult to say because I have always been lucky enough to play for the right team. Defending against Marta or Alex Morgan is very difficult.

What are your memories of your first club as a child? When I was playing in the youth team we used to have a mascot – a giant crocodile toy, we used to bring it everywhere.

What tip would you give a young player hoping to succeed? Enjoy what you are doing, have objectives and work hard. Never forget the rules. Football is a team sport. Defeat is part of the game and if you think hard you will be stronger after each defeat.

What was the experience of playing in a youth final tournament?I played the final of the 2004 European Women's Under-19 Championship with Germany. We lost 2-1 against Spain. It was hard, but we regrouped and four months later we won the Women's U-20 World Cup. The experience greatly helped us.

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